"Out With The In Crowd" Review and Giveaway

NOTE: DON'T FORGET TO SCROLL DOWN AND SIGN UP FOR THE GIVEAWAY OF VICKIE MCDONOUGH'S "THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE". THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS MAY 16TH.

"OUT WITH THE IN CROWD" BY STEPHANIE MORRILL

Skylar Hoyt may have vowed to change her parting ways, but it's not so easy to change her friends. Even though the old Skylar is gone, she's still not sure who this new Skylar really is. add to that two parents battling for her loyalty, a younger sister struggling with a crisis pregnancy, and a new boyfriend wishing for more of her time, and Skylar feels like she can't win. after all, how do you choose favorites among the people you love most?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stephanie Morrill is a twenty-something living in Kansas with her high school sweetheart -- turned -- husband and their daughter. She is the author of Me, Just Different and loves writing for teens because her high school years greatly impacted her adult life. That, and it's an excuse to keep playing her music really, really loud.

MY TAKE: Even though this book is a Young Adult Fiction I found myself caught up in the lives of this family. The trials that the main character, Skylar, must face while her family seems to be falling apart makes it hard for her to continue down the new path she has chosen -- the path of being a Christian. This book is easy to read and didn't take long to read. Don't let the genre of Young Adult Fiction fool you into thinking this wouldn't be something you would read. There are lessons to be learned for all ages! You can learn more about Stephanie's books at: http://stephaniemorrillbooks.com/

TO ENTER THE DRAWING PLEASE

1. Go to Stephanie's website and check it out. Let me know if you've read any of her books or have heard of them?

2. Sign up as a new follower or be a follower

3. Leave an email address

CONTEST ENDS MAY 23RD

NOTE: PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO ENTER THE REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF VICKIE MCDONOUGH'S "THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE".

Recently I've been traveling down memory lane and believe me its a long way back to my childhood. I attended my Aunt Helen's funeral a couple of months ago in Opelika, Alabama. While there, I visited the old home place which triggered many childhood memories, leaving me longing for simpler times.

My friend, Douglas(Rebecca) must have experienced the same thing as she wrote this story. I would like to share it with you and I'm sure Douglas would love for you to leave a comment.

Grandmother's house with porch swing

THE DETOUR

Recently, I was forced take a detour. An accident was blocking the underpass on the street I was traveling. I could have turned around and returned from whence I came – taking the main road. Instead I chose to turn onto a side street. The road less traveled. And like the traveler in Robert Frost’s poem that made all the difference.

The road was narrow with no curb or gutter on a good part of it. Shaded by majestic oaks older than I am, the coolness enveloped me as I passed from sunlight into shade. As I began to pass by the houses my mind wandered.

Almost with out exception each house had a “sittin’ porch”. Now, if you’ve never experienced the pleasure of a “sittin’ porch” on a Sunday afternoon, any evening from May to September, or perhaps longer, depending on your whereabouts in the South, you have not lived!

My paternal grandmother had such a porch. It was wide enough to sit on in the rain, if it wasn’t a blowing rain and not get wet. It wasn’t decorated with designer cushions or do- dads. It was functional porch. On one end was a wonderful swing built by my grandfather. On the other end was a metal glider and in the middle sat two matching chairs that sort of bounced when you sat in them. I still have the chairs and swing, sadly I somehow let the glider get away; I wish I had that glider.

Sunday afternoons were a time for visiting with neighbors. On my grandma’s street everybody knew everybody and most everybody’s business, which wasn’t always a good thing. Seven –Up and Cheese Tid Bits were always the afternoon snack. My grandma and her sister would chat about who was at church, who wasn’t at church, and of course if we had roast preacher for dinner. Sometimes I played with grandchildren next door if they were visiting their grandparents; mostly I watched and listened as the adults talked. Little did they or I know what wealth they were adding to my language and social development.

My grandma and her sister read the Bible everyday. Sometimes they would bring the Bibles or the devotional books on the porch and read. I still have my grandma’s Bible; it is a wonderful leather bound King James Version from the 1940’s with all of Jesus’ words in red letters. It was a gift to her from the men’s Bible class at the church - a thank you for helping with the suppers at the church.

I know my grandma was a woman of great faith. Her mother died when she was still a girl and she and her sister Polly went to live with their oldest sister Frances, known as Mother Frances to them, who was grown and married. This would be where Aunt Polly stole the baby. Frances raised them as if her own. Polly married at fourteen my grandma married a little later.

My grandparents were married six years before my father was born in 1918 just as WWI was ending. He was a much-wanted child, but when he was two he contracted Diphtheria and Scarlet Fever one after the other. They feared for his life and he was given up for dead more than once. The length and severity of the illnesses caused him to have to learn to walk again.

My grandfather was a fireman and later became Firechief. His responsibilities meant that my grandma carried the load of childrearing and house hold running on her own a great deal of the time .She had a cow, chickens and a garden. She washed clothes by hand on Monday ,ironed on Tuesday, beat the rugs Wednesday, dusted on Thursday and scrubbed down the back steps every Saturday night with the dishwater. Everyday she swept the kitchen, ran the dust mop over the floors, swept the front porch the sidewalk and the gutter in front of the house and cooked a big dinner which was the noonday meal. If some one on the street was sick or had a sick child she was called in to help. If there was a death she cooked a meal and sat with the family and she never ever missed Sunday School and church on Sunday.

An infection killed my grandfather when he was 48. Now, such an infection is not fatal, but in 1937 the only drug to fight it was not available in Rome,GA and had to be flown in, it arrived too late to save his life. At 45 Sarah Douglas White Taylor became a widow; her only child, a son, was 18.

WWII darkened the horizon in 1941 and America began the draft. My mother worked for the draft Board. She and my father became sweethearts when she was 14 and he was 18. Now in 1942 he was about to be sent overseas, so like many young couples they hurriedly married. My grandma sent her only child, who had once been snatched from the hands of death, into a war from which he might never return. I can only imagine what faith and courage that took. She only had letters from him for the next three years .I am blessed to have some of those letters.

I spent the night at grandma’s house sometimes and then because it was usually in the summer we sat out on the porch until long after dark. Saturday nights were the night of choice, so I was there for the afternoon too. I could play out while my grandma and her sister, Aunt Polly got Sunday dinner ready because my grandma didn’t work on Sundays not even to make Sunday dinner. She would, however, wash the dishes from said dinner. I can still recall the sounds of push lawn mowers and rakes in the neighborhood and the snip -snip of manual hedge clippers as neighbors did weekly yard chores.

Those were comforting noises from a time when the pace was less frantic. We knew our neighbors, we cared for them, helped them out and they helped us. Things were a little safer then and I could bet if I misbehaved out in public my parents or grandparents would know about it before I got home. Parents did not take kindly to being informed of misbehaving children nor did grandparents. There was no telling to the informant “I know my child would never do that.” as we do in the world today. No ma’am I was guilty as charged, being mostly punished with the ever feared talking to - which was the worst of all. I just never knew who might be watching me, so it was in my best interest to walk the straight and narrow as I was just as recognized in my grandma’s neighborhood as I was in my own.

I was Sally’s granddaughter and woe be unto me to besmirch the family name, so I played most respectfully while the grownups did the work of the day lest I lose my welcome. The afternoon drew to a close a light supper would be eaten and then we would adjourn to the porch. There was no TV at grandma’s house only a large Philco radio used as a piece of furniture-I still have that too.

There was no Daylight Savings Time so dark came at an earlier hour than it does now. The nighttime was a magical time to watch lightening bugs rise from the grass, to hear the night bugs calling and the frogs singing. Aunt Polly was a storyteller. She could spin an enchanting tale about the woodland creatures and the secret lives they lived out of our sight. I believed everything she told me. My grandma had different stories to tell. In the sweet darkness of a cool summer night she would tell stories of my daddy when he was a toddler, then a boy, then a young man married and going to war. She told stories of her childhood and how Aunt Polly had stolen a baby when she was a little girl because she thought it was cute and the sharecropper on the land had lots of children so she didn’t think they would miss one.

She told of my grandfather, the Firechief, who died before I was born and how much she loved him. It helps to know the people who came before you. My grandma’s stories gave me a sense of the strength my ancestors possessed. They endured terrible things; not the least of which was the great Depression. My great grandparents endured the Civil War, the death of infants, fires, loss of property and income and untimely deaths of loved ones. They persevered and left me a great legacy of strength and grace to do the same.

I was forced to take a detour recently. I’m sorry for the accident. I hope the injuries were not too serious. I am thankful to have taken the road less traveled, for my detour made all the difference in my day.

Grandmother and Aunt Polly

"The Anonymous Bride" Review and Book Giveaway

I'm finally excited to say I believe summer is finally on its way. It has been a long cold winter and I am now enjoying the fruits of spring. I love being able to go outside without having to wear a heavy coat or sweater. The blooming flowers and trees brings a song to my heart and makes my step a little lighter.

I have been busy the past couple of weeks and have not posted very often. However, I have been reading and I have two books that I would like to share her with my readers. If you have read my posts recently, you'll remember that I have decided to recycle the books that I have either won myself from another blog or am reviewing or influencing for an author or publisher. So with that said, keep in mind that these are slightly used books which are in very good condition. Without further ado, let's begin the reviews.

THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE BY VICKIE MCDONOUGH:

Back Cover: How many brides does one man need? It's been years, but Luke Davis is back -- older and wiser -- and still alone. Returning as Lookout's new town marshal, Luke is determined to face the past and move on. But when he discovers that the woman who betrayed him is now a widow, all his plans fall at his feet.

Rachel has carried her guilty shame for 11 years. Her marriage to James Hamilton was not what Luke or the town thought it to be. Now James is dead, and Luke is back. Could they possibly find love a second time? Rachel begs his forgiveness, but Luke finds he has none to give.

And then the brides arrive. Three of them -- ordered for Luke through newspaper ads by his incorrigible cousins. The only place in town for them to stay as Rachel's boarding house. And none of the ladies is willing to let Luke go. When choosing a bride becomes a contest, the chaos that ensues is almost funny. When the mayor forces Luke to pick a bride or lose his job, will Luke listen to his heart that still longs for Rachel or choose one of the mail order brides?

About the author: Award-winning author Vickie McDonough believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. She loves writing stories in which her characters find true love and grow in their faith. Vickie has published 18 books. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is currently serving as ACFW treasurer. Beginning of book reviewer for nine years as well. She is a wife of 35 years, mother of four sons, and grandmother to a feisty three year old girl. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling. Visit Vickie's website at www.vickiemcdonough.com.

My take: One thing I have learned by reviewing books were being an influencer is that it pays to keep an open mind. Before I started reading Christian fiction and before I began my blog I read very little outside of my favorite genre which happens to be mysteries. I have been enjoying reading fiction since I was old enough to read. Even from the beginning mysteries have been my favorite. But when when I decided to start my blog and review books it was definitely going to be to my advantage to read other genres. This is what I hope - that those who read my blog will learn to keep an open mind so that they can enjoy taking many different adventures, but opening their world of reading and letting in other genres.

"The Anonymous Bride" is one such book that I would not have picked up in the past - simply because it wasn't in my genre. Boy, am I glad that I have turned a new leaf that ultimately lead me to this book.

The main character, Rachel, holds a secret that only a handful of people know. For many years she has put on a front for the townspeople which lead them to believe there were no problems in her marriage. Does this sound familiar? Are there families today who hide what their real circumstances are in their home life? Don't we all put on our social faces when we go out in public? Rachel's husband is dead now and she is left to raise her daughter (a little spit-fire) alone. She runs the towns boarding house to make ends meet.

In comes Luke Davis, the new town marshal. Luke and Rachel have a past - they were very much in love and planning on getting married until Rachel suddenly marries the towns richest bachelor. Luke is devastated and leaves town, just now returning. He meets Rachel's daughter, right away and decides to take this little wild girl under his care. He is surprised to find who her mother is. When he sees her, he knows he still has feelings for her, but he is not ready to forgive her for breaking his heart.

Luke's cousins decide to place an ad for a mail order bride and then he is blessed with three women who want to marry him. The ensuing antics of the three women (as well as Rachel who never stopped loving Luke) to try and win Luke's heart will keep you laughing out loud. It is a very easy read and I couldn't put it down wondering what was going to happen next. Needless to say I enjoyed this book very much and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! Oh, does Rachel win Luke's affections back? I'm not telling you will have to find out for yourself.

To enter the drawing please: (in the same comment)

1) sign up as a follower or already be a follower.

2)visit Vickie's website and let me know if you've read any of her books yet

3)let me know how you feel about reading other genres that you think you might not be interested in?

Contest ends May 16th, 2010

HAPPY READING!

And The Winner Is

OUR NEW WINNER OF VICKI HINZE'S "FORGET ME NOT" IS: JO! CONGRATULATIONS JO AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE READ.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO LEFT A COMMENT AND CONTINUES TO SUPPORT MY BLOG!

NOTE: DON'T FORGET TO SCROLL DOWN TO THE PREVIOUS POST TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR VICKI HINZE'S "FORGET ME NOT".

Thanks for the Sunshine Award

What an honor to receive the Sunshine Award from one of my blogging buddies, Janet at janetstreasures.blogspot.comI like to think that I'm passing on His sonshine. :)


This award is traditionally passed on to those blogger's that inspire others and show positivity and creativity, so, in that spirit, I picked my nominees from blogs that I visit regularly and are very informative and inspiring to me.
The rules for accepting the award are:

This is what I've done and the nominees should do the same if they choose to:

1) Put the logo within my blog or on my post

2) Pass the award onto 10 fellow bloggers

3) Link the nominees within my post

4) Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog

5) Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from.

Here are my 10 nominees, please visit them and check out their blogs! As you know we all live for comments!

Check back for nominees!

Ashley at:http://anotherdayforhim.blogspot.com/

Stormi at:http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com/

Lee at:http://leesmithwriting.blogspot.com

Colletta at:

http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/ Glenda athttp://meandmineinasmalltown.blogspot.com/

"Forget Met Not" by Vicki Hinze BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!

BACK COVER: Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man -- in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He'd failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help -- his victim who eerily resembles Ben's deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith -- and Susan's necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman's situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discovered head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze is an award winning author of 23 novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who's Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki's books, blogs, and writing program.

MY TAKE: I had not read any of Vicki Hinze's books before this one. I did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. In writing I've heard so many times how important it is to start your book in the proper place. Be sure and hook your reader right away with something exciting - not too much back story to start with. Well, I would say that Vicki has this goal down pat. She had me hooked from the beginning. There was non-stop action and many twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. If you like a page turner then you will love Vicki's book "Forget Me Not" which you can find at Water Brook Multnoman.com.

To be entered in the giveaway please: (remember this is a slightly used book) you can leave all of these in one post

1. be a follower or sign up as a new follower and leave an email address

2. visit Vicki's website at www.vickihinze.com

3. let me know what you think about blogs that review Christian books - are they helpful and what would you like to see more of.

Ends April 24th, 2010

Void where prohibited;Open to US residents only. Odds of winning depends on the number of entrants.

What Is A Reviewer/Influencer

There has been a lot of talk lately on the American Christian Fiction Writers newsgroup about the definition of reviewer and/or influencer. This is a very debated subject as are many on the newsgroup. When you have a lot of people giving opinions you will have almost as many different opinions as people. That is human nature or as Ches McCartney a.k.a. The Goatman would say, "That's just human environment." If you don't know who The Goatman is look him up on facebook - you will get a kick out of this wonderful character of God's.

Back to the discussion of reviewer vs. influencer. I have been what some would consider both. I review books for WaterBrookMulnoman.com who has graciously given me the book "Forget Me Not" to read and review. These books come from the publisher and they will give you a review copy and a giveaway copy if you want to participate in the giveaway. Since I have just started doing giveaways I have decided to give away my reviewers copy so we can recycle books. Some people would consider a review of a book telling the good and the bad and the ugly. And this might be true. When I first started reviewing I came upon this dilemma pretty quick. I was stumped as what to do. After thinking about the situation I've decided that I will only write a review of a book that I enjoyed reading and think others would enjoy. The reasons are: I know how much works goes into writing a book - any book and I do not want to downgrade another writer's work - I don't feel professional enough for that. Another reason is we all have different likes and dislikes in books and genres and this makes it extremely hard to be impartial. What one person hates another might love. Therefore, that is how I made my decision.

An influencer is a person that the author asked to read their book and influence others to read it as well. Usually, influencers have read the author before and would love to help promote their books. You might blog about it, go to book sites and write a review, maybe send out postcards to your friends, etc. Anything to get the word out that the author has a new book on the horizon.

Both reviewers/influencers are usually provided with a book to keep for the time and effort they have put into helping spread the word. To sum it up: You won't see a book on my blog that I didn't like or that I just couldn't get through reading it. That is how you will know what I truly feel about a book. If you see it I liked it - or someone else did! I hope this explanation helped a little and did not confuse you more. LOL Now on to the next review!